In terms of newer gear that you may possibly get "new", look into the Stretch Diad, I picked one up when I was down in Boulder bagging a few 14ers last summer on a road trip I took. Brought it up several, to me it was the perfect light shell anyone could want for non winter climbs (my profile pic - wearing it on summit of Elbert). Although I am after a Triumph Anorak, to use instead, the Stretch Diad that I own will be used for quite some time.

Having bought many Northface items over 20 yrs. ago, and owning only one now-a softshell bionic jacket-I think their stuff is pretty good. Depends on what you buy.
I think their rap came about due to them "selling-out" to the mall culture. They were possibly the first big outdoor Co. to go mainstream, and many hated them for it. Now, however, how many other outdoor clothing companies produce overpriced shit,(albeit good shit), that is mostly fashionable that much of the mass buys? Many.
Diatribe over against elitism. Much of the Summit series is good, it seems.
Anker and others use it, including it seems, many on this site. Plus their tents.

Had my eye on the Prism Optimus down jacket for two years now. Tried on many other brands, and this one seemed the best for what I wanted.
My opinion, for what its worth.
Best o' luck with that potential pile of new gear!

Unfortunately your local REI or equivalent will only showcase the TNF lifestyle outerwear so I understand why many revile the brand. However the Summit Series items are designed and used by many of the best alpinists in the world (Anker, Ozturk) and rival anything else out there. Some of the really cool pieces I've worked with in the last few years have been the Triumph Anorak, Redpoint Optimus and Valkyrie Jacket. I'm prepared to answer uber-technical questions on garments of interest.

I have their mid-layer down "Thunder" jacket. It's pretty nice, fragile but that's the nature of the beast with that style layer. For a good discount it's worth it. The Himalayan jacket or suit is tempting to buy at a good discount if you will use something like that someday. Most of the summit series stuff should be pretty decent, at least from what I've seen of it.

DanielWade wrote:Unfortunately your local REI or equivalent will only showcase the TNF lifestyle outerwear so I understand why many revile the brand. However the Summit Series items are designed and used by many of the best alpinists in the world (Anker, Ozturk) and rival anything else out there. Some of the really cool pieces I've worked with in the last few years have been the Triumph Anorak, Redpoint Optimus and Valkyrie Jacket. I'm prepared to answer uber-technical questions on garments of interest.

+1 on the Triumph Anorak, I own one and it is great for those times when you don't know if it is going to rain and you need a light waterproof shell just in case. Not too breathable but otherwise great. I also own a Cipher softshell (see profile photo), great for windy days as it has parts made of windstopper.